Just do it: get ready to run for elected office

March 02, 2008

It's time to put up or shut up. If you've been thinking you could do a better job in an elected office than someone who's already there, now is the time to throw your hat in the ring. Nominating petitions for county and state can be obtained through the Brown County Auditor's office in the courthouse annex. City petitions are available in the city finance office at City Hall and school board petitions may be picked up at the District Service Center, 24 Fifth Ave. S.W. Election Day is June 3. The election includes South Dakota's primary, Brown County's primary and Aberdeen's city and school board elections. Nominating petitions must be returned by March 25 for all races. People interested in running on an Independent ticket don't have a primary, so their deadline is different, but easy to remember; it is June 3, Election Day. Republicans interested in running for the South Dakota Legislature for District 2 or 3 need 50 registered Republican signatures on their petitions. Democrats in District 2 need 34 registered Democrat signatures. Democrats in District 3 need 33 registered Democrat signatures. There are two slots opening up on the Brown County Commission. Additional county offices on the November ballot will include the Brown County Treasurer, Coroner and State's Attorney. Interested candidates just need to pick up a petition and return it with 50 signatures of Brown County registered voters. Available city seats include two, five-year terms on the City Council. All that it takes to run for a city spot is to return the nominating petition with 50 signatures of residents from their district. Candidates interested in running for the school board must live in the school district, be registered to vote and be at least 18 years old. Nominating petitions need 20 signatures of school district voters. It's easy to criticize people in public office. It's much harder to step up to the plate and take a swing at making a difference. Brown County residents should be lining up to run for these posts. We especially encourage the area's women and minorities, such as Native Americans, to throw their hats into the ring. Lots of obstacles tend to present themselves. Life is hectic. People work, they volunteer, they play sports or music, take children to a variety of activities and, somewhere in there they have to manage to buy groceries and fix a meal or two. Still, it can be done. If you feel passionately about the school system, your city, your county and/or your state; if you have ideas that you think could enhance them - consider running for office. There are many, many potential candidates out there. Let's get some new blood in the mix.